3-20-12: To the Bear’s Lair

A female black bear that has lived in the Deep Creek Lake area for years, despite increased development. Photos courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wypr/local-wypr-1007153.mp3Every year, in the early spring, scientists from the state’s Department of Natural Resources visit a selection of bear dens across western Maryland. The researchers venture under brush, around trees, and occasionally, under a porch, to check the health of hibernating mama bears they’ve been monitoring with radio collars. The idea is to get an idea of the bears’ health and growth.

Maryland ‘s bear population lives mainly in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties. Harry Spiker, Maryland’s Principal Bear Biologist, has been spending time going to lairs in western Maryland. Here, he talks about the survey with Sheilah Kast.